Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Katannuta*

I am blown away… it brings me to my knees in gratitude that this kind of kindness exists - for Tanner's sake. He is one hell of a little kid.

He’s a strong-willed little kid, full of spunk and piss and vinegar. I admire him more than anyone in the world and he has only just turned 7. He sees life through eyes filled with wonder and joy. He is still mostly oblivious to what others see or think of him and I strive each day to teach him and show him how important it is to love ourselves. God made us who we are and He does have reasons - even though we may not see them now... I know that Tanner will be stronger than me, and I know that he has something to teach this world - something about love and kindness and strength and faith. I am learning every day.

I cherish this little boy and every moment he is on this earth and I know you do too. Try not to be sad, but to watch him in wonder and learn from him too. We take a lot of things for granted in this day and age; to see and feel what Tanner and other children or people like him have to face is quite humbling, but that is good, the world needs it.

WE can forget how to love and cherish. All you have to do is look at Tanner or other children who are sick and open your heart, and not forget.

I would love for you to send a big heartfelt THANK YOU to your blogging buddies. Love,C

Consider it done, little sister. Consider it done.

On behalf of this amazing little boy, and his family - MY family - I thank you. From the very bottom of my bursting heart.

(And, any of you who have posted the button or written posts about the auction, please leave me a note in the comments. I'd like to thank you all properly, by visiting and by linking you up in a thank-you post this weekend. Those of you amazing, amazing people who donated items, you're on my list already!)

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*Katannuta (Mangala Sutta Vanana #25): To be grateful is most blissful.

you already know i posted about this. i find myself still wishing i could do more. i love your sister's letter. i think she has the focus exactly right - on tanner, on what he has to teach us all, and only secondarily on the pain. i imagine it's a hard perspective to keep at times, but i think she's a very special lady for it. i firmly believe wonderful things are in store for you all. much love. :)

Your sister's words are so very moving. What a strong, insightful, faithful, lovely soul she has and has passed along. Big tears here. Really, truly grateful that if this brings feelings of comfort or happiness than I am honored to be able to participate.

I am actually posting about it as we speak, ok type, but seriously your sister is so right. ANd her son is adorable and I hope he lives a long life. But mostly I hope he lives as long as he wants too and that his life is not full of sadness and pain, but full of love and light.

What a beautiful picture... and the letter......Crying in my wine, thanks.Post going up tonight, requested a button as well.It's just so wonderful to have that kind of love surrounding you...sending you all some from Brooklyn.

I e-mailed the link and his story to all the moms I know and I know they will tell two friends and they'll tell two friends, etc. This is the worthiest cause I've seen in a while. And doesn't the kindness just choke you all up inside?

tonight my blog talk radio show is with ashley drane. she's an actress who is also married to david eckstein (baseball player).. we're going to talk about being a role model. i thought it might be something you'd be interested inhearing, or calling in for! :)8pm PST

One of the things that I love about the blogverse is that the words of strangers touch my heart and enrich my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to return that gift in whatever small way I'm able. Share with your sister and nephew the love of a stranger who would rather invest her energies in the lives of individuals (where they might do some small good) than in the tragedies of nations. (where they seem so very futile)

My girl just had the best time crafting her letter to Tanner. ( I translated the crayon scribbles for him). This auction is amazing. The talent and the heart of everyone involved makes me feel lucky to be part of this community.Thanks for inspiring the action.

Even with all the other craziness in life, I try to stop and treasure all the little things R. does and says, even when it's about something as bizarre as wondering if Santa's reindeer poop on our roof!

Your sister is in such an amazing place about it...I have a brother with what could be a terminal illness and it's taken me a very long time to come even close to the place she's in...and I think being a sister is *very* different from being a mother.

You know, I know people say you just live with what you're dealt and figure out how to make the best, but I am so amazed at parents like your sister who can face something as hard as knowing your own much-beloved child will die one day before your very eyes and do so with courage and seeming equanimity. Give her a huge hug for me when you see her, will you please? And that photo is fantastic. It just defines fall fun for kids.

I held my post until today so the auction would be on already when it went up. I love how many people are spreading the word. This is such a neat thing.

BubTar will be sending Tanner a letter soon, and as soon as my husband helps me with Paypal; Auction here I come! :)

Your sister is amazing. I've had to look at things like what she is going through as possibilities and it is the most frightening thing I've ever had to face. To accept it as THE reality...wow. She is amazing. Tanner is blessed to have her, and she is blessed to have Tanner.

BubTar will be sending Tanner a letter soon, and as soon as my husband helps me with Paypal; Auction here I come! :)

Your sister is amazing. I've had to look at things like what she is going through as possibilities and it is the most frightening thing I've ever had to face. To accept it as THE reality...wow. She is amazing. Tanner is blessed to have her, and she is blessed to have Tanner.

What an awesome thing they have put together. I wish I knew about this in time to donate something. Bet your ass I'll be picking up some tickets though. I linked to it, hopefully it'll get a few more people over there.

I was lagging too this last week ...I dont think I was in time to donate an item for the auction :(I'll be sharing Tanners story with my kids and I know they will be happy to write letters to such a fantastic little boy. I hope your family has a very very Merry Christmas and pass our hugs on to Tanner!

I bid, I posted, I linked, but I am a technological idiot, and so remain buttonless. Kidlets will be doing letters and pictures this weekend. We hope they offer some joy to Tanner, just like they bring joy to us when we do them.